What can I bring to the beach?

It’s a great idea to bring:

  • Wagon or cooler on wheels
  • Beach chairs (a limited number of chairs are available for rent at a cost of $5 per day)
  • Sunscreen
  • Towels or beach blankets
  • Beach or water toys
  • Water, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Umbrellas or small tent for shade (no more than 10’ x 10’)
  • Personal BBQs (propane or charcoal)
  • Poop bags if you’re bringing your dog 
 What should I not bring to the beach?
 Please don’t bring:
  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Cigarettes and vaping devices. All beaches in Niagara are smoke and vape free.
  • Enclosed tents or gazebos, or any structures that are more than 10’ x 10’
  • Speaker/music systems
  • Motorized watercraft – enjoying the beach from your boat is encouraged, but launching it from the beach is not permitted.
 What is the entry fee to the beach?
There is no gate entrance fee at the beach. The only fees are for parking or optionally, for SplashTown Niagara.
What are the rules for the dog zone?
Dogs are allowed in the dog zone (east end of the beach) and must be kept on leash at all times. Please pick up after your furry friend!
 Can I park on the beach itself?
 No. Parking on the sand at Nickel Beach is not permitted.
 Is Lake Erie Safe for Swimming?

During the summer months, beaches along Lake Erie are safe to swim in. If the water is unsafe to swim in, Niagara Region Public Health will post signs at the entrance of the beach.

Beaches are unsafe for swimming when the water contains levels of bacteria that may increase a bather's risk of developing a variety of irritations and infections. Most common are minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and occasional stomach disorders. Sometimes a beach may be posted unsafe because of floating debris, oil, scum, excessive weed growth, bad odors and general turbidity.

Niagara Region Public Health posts status of local beaches every Friday during the summer.
To obtain information on the status of beaches in the Niagara Region call 1-888-505-6074, ext. 7789.
 Can I launch my boat or other motorized watercraft from the beach?
 No. Enjoying the beach from your boat is encouraged, but launching a boat or other motorized watercraft from the beach is not permitted.
 Can I leave my BBQ waste such as charcoal or old propane tanks at the beach?
 No. If you are using charcoal BBQ or have a leftover propane tank, it’s your responsibility to dispose of it correctly. Please don’t litter or leave BBQ waste at the beach.
 Does my PORTicipate Pass parking pass grant me access to SplashTown Niagara waterpark?

No. The SplashTown Niagara inflatable waterpark at Nickel Beach operates independently of the City of Port Colborne. SplashTown Niagara is opening Saturday, June 29, 2024.